Abstract: An apparatus and method by which a single operator, at a single station, can pack pre-counted slugs of flat folded cartons, or trays, in one or more layers, in corrugated cases for discharge to a case taper several times faster than with manual packing by several operators. The "flats" are advanced in a longitudinal path on a secondary apron of a stacker, erect on one edge, pre-counted and divided into slugs, so that the single operator can slide each slug longitudinally past a one-way back stop onto a transfer table. The slug may be turned on its longitudinal axis by the operator for inspection and then compressed longitudinally by a ram against the back stop. The operator has already been presented with a single, flat, tubular case, from a stack of such cases, with the leading flaps folded back, and has manually erected the case and inserted it in a case gripper preferably poised above the table, thereby closing the minor bottom closure flaps.

Abstract: An apparatus and method by which a single operator, at a single station, can pack pre-counted slugs of flat folded cartons, or trays, in one or more layers, in corrugated cases for discharge to a case taper several times faster than with manual packing by several operators. The "flats" are advanced in a longitudinal path on a secondary apron of a stacker, erect on one edge, pre-counted and divided into slugs, so that the single operator can slide each slug longitudinally past a one-way back stop onto a transfer table. The slug may be turned on its longitudinal axis by the operator for inspection and then compressed longitudinally by a ram against the back stop. The operator has already been presented with a single, flat, tubular case, from a stack of such cases, with the leading flaps folded back, and has manually erected the case and inserted it in a case gripper preferably poised above the table, thereby closing the minor bottom closure flaps.

Abstract: A box blank of the type having two side walls and a front wall of normal length but a combined bottom and rear wall of unusual length is folded and glued on a box folding and gluing machine by advancing the blanks along a horizontal path, long wall first, and overlapped in shingled formation. The first long wall in the formation encounters an air blast, or hooked finger, which unfolds the leading edge to encounter a ramp-like guide which bends it back to fold on its fold line, while also back folding the next successive long wall. All successive blanks are so back folded in "domino" fashion.